2516 Niles Avenue, St. Joseph, Michigan • (269) 983-6518

F.A.Q.'s - Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I have an emergency after office hours?

One of us is always "on call" and can be reached by calling the office phone number (983-6518). We check in frequently for messages but can also be paged if your problem is urgent. If it is a true emergency, call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency room.

When should I call the doctor?

This is a difficult question to answer properly. In general, if the child seems usually ill or there is a specific complaint such as earache, difficulty with urination, limitation of motion of a joint, etc., a call would be in order. If you are worried or uncomfortable in managing a problem without more specific medical advice or attention, call us. Routine questions are welcomed during regular office hours. Please help us when telephoning by knowing certain facts about your child's condition - temperature, number of vomiting episodes or diarrheal stools, appetite, what treatment you've tried, etc. This will save time and help us to more accurately assess your child's problem.

Will antibiotics help with the common cold or viral illness?

No, as yet, there is no curative medicine for the cold or usual viral illnesses.

Will you prescribe antibiotics by phone without seeing the child?

No, except in very rare instances. We feel that if a child is ill enough to require antibiotics, he should be examined to determine the nature of illness so that the treatment can be more precise. Antibiotics should not be used unless ordered by a physician.